Free group study handout
John 11: Group Study Handout
How to use: read John 11 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Lazarus from Bethany is sick, prompting his sisters, Mary and Martha, to inform Jesus (vv. 1-3). Jesus states that Lazarus's illness will not lead to death, but instead will glorify God (vv.
Key verse
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies.”
John 11:25 (WEB)
Outline
- John 11:1–7 Lazarus Falls Sick
- John 11:8–16 Jesus Delays His Arrival
- John 11:17–27 Martha and Jesus Discuss Faith
- John 11:28–36 Mary's Grief and Jesus' Response
- John 11:37–44 Lazarus Raised from the Dead
- John 11:45–57 Reactions and Consequences
Discussion questions
- In v4, what does Jesus mean when he says Lazarus' sickness is for 'the glory of God'?
- In v35, what does the phrase 'Jesus wept' indicate about His feelings?
- Martha's response in v24 about the 'resurrection at the last day': what does this suggest about her understanding of Jesus' identity?
- Caiaphas' statement in vv. 49-50 about one man dying: how does this foreshadow the events to come?
- When has someone in your life expressed faith like Martha does in v27 about Jesus being the 'Christ'?
Go deeper
Passages that echo John 11: John 3, John 14, John 5.
Before next time: read John 12.